Kenya–Kuwait relations

Kenya – Kuwaiti relations
Map indicating locations of Kenya and Kuwait

Kenya

Kuwait

Kenyan–Kuwaiti relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Kuwait.

History

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President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Kuwait in 2013. He held talks with Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Kenyatta also attended the 3rd Africa-Arab economic summit which was held in Kuwait.[1] The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amina Mohamed also accompanied him.[2]

While addressing the 68th UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, condemned the terror attacks that had happened in Kenya. He also expressed his condolences to what he referred to as the friendly people of Kenya.[3]

Development cooperation

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Kenya and Kuwait cooperate in a lot of areas. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Kenya sent troops to Kuwait who later stayed on as peace keeping troops.[4]

Between 2007 and 2013 Kenya has received aid amounting to KES. 7 billion (EUR. 68 million) from Kuwait.[1]

Key areas for Kenya and Kuwaiti cooperation are:[5]

  • Infrastructure
  • Health
  • Education

Kuwait has helped fund the Nuno-Modogashe Road, rehabilitation of Wajir Hospital and schools in Borabu, Nyamira. Kuwaiti NGOs set up Umma University in Kajiado and a college in Thika.

Kuwait recognises that Kenya plays a key role in regional stability.[5]

During a drought in February 2022, Kuwait sent 34 tons of food to Mandera including rice, cooking oil, beans, and salt.[6]

Economic relations

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In 2012, both countries signed a double tax avoidance and protection of investments agreement.[5] Other agreements signed include promotion of tourism and establishment of a joint commission of cooperation.[2]

Both countries are working on restarting trade and establishing direct flights.[4]

Diplomatic missions

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Kenya has an embassy in Kuwait City. It was established in 2007.[7] Kuwait has an embassy in Nairobi. It was opened in 1965 and the first ambassador appointed in 1968.[4]

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References

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  1. ^ a b [1]. President Uhuru Kenyatta leaves for Africa-Arab Summit in Kuwait. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.
  2. ^ a b [2] Archived 2015-02-07 at the Wayback Machine. Kenya and Kuwait sign agreement to avoid double-taxation. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.
  3. ^ [3]. KUWAIT CONDEMNS DISGRACEFUL TERROR ATTACK IN KENYA. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.
  4. ^ a b c [4] Archived 2017-04-28 at the Wayback Machine. Kenya – spearheading development in East Africa. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.
  5. ^ a b c [5] Archived 2017-06-28 at the Wayback Machine. Kuwait and Kenya to increase trade volumes, says Kuwait Ambassador. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.
  6. ^ "Kuwait donates food relief to vulnerable households in Mandera". Kenya News Agency. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  7. ^ [6] Archived 2014-12-20 at the Wayback Machine. A NOTE FROM THE AMBASSADOR. Retrieved on 7 February 2015.